Greenfingers, the small national charity dedicated to creating magical gardens in children’s hospices across the UK, is delighted to announce today two new patrons of the charity – the actors Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton OBE.

Jim Carter is perhaps currently best known as Downton Abbey’s Mr Carson, a role for which he has received great acclaim; whilst his wife Imelda Staunton is one of the country’s best loved actors, who has seen great success on stage and screen, including for her Oscar nominated role in Vera Drake.

Jim and Imelda both share a keen passion for gardening, in addition to having a direct involvement with the hospice movement, which is a real benefit for Greenfingers as it demonstrates their natural interest and understanding of the aims and focus of the charity’s work.

Matthew Wilson, Chairman of Greenfingers, welcomed the pair into their roles: ‘We are absolutely delighted to share the wonderful news that Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton are to be patrons of Greenfingers. We know they will be fantastic ambassadors for the charity and look forward to them spreading the word about the worthwhile work we do.’

Jim Carter added: ‘It is an honour for us to become patrons of Greenfingers – we are extremely enthusiastic about contributing to the charity’s cause of bringing magical gardens to children’s hospices. To give children with life-limiting conditions, their siblings and families a chance to spend valuable time together outside in a natural environment, creating precious memories is invaluable. We are both very much looking forward to our involvement with Greenfingers.’

Greenfingers is now approaching the half-way point (in April 2014) of its most ambitious appeal to date – the ‘Rosy Cheeks’ appeal – which aims to raise enough money to create at least 10 more children’s hospice gardens. This year, under the umbrella of the ‘Rosy Cheeks’ appeal, Greenfingers will create magical gardens at Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice in Sussex, Little Haven’s children’s hospice in Essex and Forget Me Not children’s hospice in Yorkshire.